My first recommendation is to install an anchor trolley. That way you can anchor from either front or rear. I also installed a pulley system with cam lock on the front fitting to anchor from just the front. This anchor is primarily used to position my boat crosswind or crosscurrent for easier casting. The anchors themselves are just a simple dumb bell in 10 or 12 pound size. They are cheap, covered in plastic, and available at any sporting goods store. Just cut the handle off, drill a hole in each of the ends, and attach a small eye bolt with some type of epoxy. The individual weights are enough to hold a kayak steady in light winds or current. For stronger winds/current I just attach two and have not had a problem. The only problem I could imagine would be if the bottom is solid and the round anchors can't grab anything. I used to have a folding grappling anchor, but it now lies at the bottom of the bay when it hung up on something that would not release it regardless of what I tried. My experience with the stake out pole was not much better. I could never get the boat pointed the direction I wanted, and if there was a current or wind, I was constantly rotating back and forth. Anchoring front and rear stops that and there is no muddy pole that pulls out in a strong wind or current. I also fish both shallow and deeper water, so I still needed an anchor system along with the pole. Was just one more thing in the boat.
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